3.2 Global Economic Systems The Development of Civilizations 2000 – 1000 BCE

Similarities and Differences

East Asia China had two major economic regions The North (Yellow River) Grew wheat, millet, and rice Had sophisticated bronze making capabilities Primitive porcelain The South (Chang Jiang River) Substantial rice production to feed a massive population Terraced farming for maximum output

South and Southeast Asia The Indo-Aryans would topple the original inhabitants of the Indus River Valley They brought their pastoralist traditions The Vedas as a series of stories telling this story of conquest The Aryans viewed wealth in terms of cattle (no coinage) To this day, cattle remain important in Indian tradition The Aryans would assimilate with the indigenous Indians Would adopt farming traditions

The Near (Middle) East Hammurabi’s laws brought stability and prosperity Trade increased and Babylon unified various Mesopotamian cultures Agricultural output grew Babylon’s government extended canals and roads This, in turn, increased efficiency and productivity of trade The Phoenicians Would be seafarers and would trade across the Mediterranean Established colonies (outposts) across the region Would circumnavigate Africa Discovered purple dye, so valuable that only royalty could afford it

Africa Despite the turmoil within the Egyptian government, the economy continued to thrive The Nile region reliably would produce an abundance of grain

Europe The Minoan civilization would end in 1500 BCE Santorini would explode and the tsunami would wash over Crete, ending their trading empire Mycenae as successor to Minoans Would grow olives and grapes Greek soil was not suitable to grain (rockier) The Hittites in Anatolia would discover iron smelting This would be a closely guarded secret Military advantages until 1200 BCE (the secret spread)

The Americas The Olmec peoples would thrive on agricultural surpluses (maize and beans) twice a year Other trade commodities added to a thriving economy Chocolate Palm nuts Seafood Jade Rubber Pottery